WASHINGTON--Former California State Senator Jackie Speier, who was involved in much of the legislation that has impacted the insurance industry in that state, announced she will run for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif.

In announcing her candidacy, Ms. Speier noted two issues among several that have involved insurers in the state--privacy and the state's proof of insurance law for drivers. She said her work in the legislature demonstrated an ability to work with Republican colleagues.

"Each day thousands of Americans have their personal financial information traded for money or outright stolen," she said. "I would like to see the same type of tough financial privacy laws passed at the federal level that I got passed here in California."

California's privacy law, which would have restricted the ability of companies to share consumer data with affiliates and subsidiaries, was partially struck down by a federal court ruling that said the state law was preempted by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Ms. Speier also pointed to the proof of insurance law as a success story and a sign that she is capable of crossing the aisle. "We have a proof of auto insurance law in California because I worked with Republican colleagues in the legislature," she said. "The result: you are paying an average of $200 less in car insurance per year."

Before leaving the state Senate under term limits, Ms. Speier had served 18 years in the legislature and as chair of the Senate Insurance committee. Her successor, Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Mateo, had been viewed as a potential challenger in the Democratic primary but announced Monday that he would not enter the race.

Ms. Speier, in kicking off her campaign, noted that she had been endorsed by more than 92 elected officials in the area, 30 of whom attended the announcement of her candidacy.

Among those backing her is San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who announced his endorsement Monday.

Ms. Speier in 1978 was on the staff of Rep. Leo Ryan, D-Calif, and was part of a group that accompanied him on a fatal fact-finding mission to Guyana to visit the Peoples Temple compound run by Rev. Jim Jones.

Ms. Speier was wounded and the congressman was killed when followers of the cult leader opened fire on the visitors. The announcement of her candidacy was made at a park named for Rep. Ryan.

Rep. Lantos announced at the beginning of this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and would leave Congress at the end of his term.

Special Reports /

State Sen. Speier To Seek U.S. Rep. Lantos' Post

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